Oimachi Town is an important transit hub town in the south side of Tokyo’s city center on the way to Haneda, Odaiba and Ariake. This busy area in Japan is home to tons of casual eateries, cafés and nostalgic hideouts with countless bars and izakaya pubs, so it’s the place to be day or night.

When my family and I visited the busy hub town during the holiday season and got off at JR Oimachi station, the town center was filled with modern department stores and shops along the main road from the station.

However, out the east exit through an illuminated gate, we entered a side street and were transported into the 1970s with old bars, izakaya pubs and a lively ambiance of patrons enjoying the area in the evening.

The area is called Azumakoji Shotengai, which literally means “small eastern alley,” and includes two 100-meter-long alleys accommodating about 60 small shops, according to Oimachi portal site. After World War II, shops started opening in the area and during its peak in the 1960-70s, Azumakoji had up to 200 shops.

While the area has experienced some changes since its heyday, the nostalgic feeling and numerous bars still draw in a crowd. You can enjoy tasty yakitori chicken skewers, sashimi, tempura and gyoza along with sake and other adult beverages. 

Among the 60 shops, “Bulldog” (yoshoku), “Iroha” (beef tongue) and “Eiraku” (Chinese dishes) are especially famous and worth dropping by. If you’re looking for a taste of old Tokyo and fun night out with some great food and drinks, check out Oimachi Town’s Azumakoji Shotengai.

Azumakoji Shotengai (Oimachi Town in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo)

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